Habitat for Humanity Worksite Safety

The worksite can be a dangerous place, and it helps to be prepared. Having a positive attitude and listening carefully to instructions are important for safety, and so is wearing the proper clothing. – Wear Close-Toed Shoes. Workers wearing sandals or any other type of inappropriate footwear will not be allowed to work. – Avoid wearing Loose Clothing, as it can be dangerous around power tools. –Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty ! Hard Hats, Safety Glasses, and Gloves will all be provided on-site. Come Prepared! Safety is our #1 priority!

Arriving at the worksite There are a few things to do before work begins, all of which are to ensure your safety. –On arrival to the worksite, make sure you sign both the Sign-In Sheet and a Waiver. –Hard Hats and Safety Glasses must be worn on the site at all times! –Name Tags will be provided and are to be worn at all times. –If you will be hammering, Gloves are available to help protect your hands from blisters. –Dust Masks are also provided, and your supervisor will tell you if they are needed. Your supervisor will go over all safety precautions before work begins. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Know how to get help! If you are ever uncertain about how to do a task or operate a power tool, ask a supervisor! In the case of injury or other emergencies, always go straight to your supervisor for help. –First Aid Kits are located on-site –Safety Posters are posted around the site, be sure to follow their instructions! –Advise your supervisor immediately of any Hazards or Unsafe Conditions

Using Tools Properly Operating tools safely can mean taking the time to use them right. Proper technique can help ensure your safety, so if you don’t know how to use something, ask! Do the job safely, even if it means slowing down. – Power Tools should not be used without proper instruction, even if you think you are experienced enough to use them without. –Never lower or carry a power tool by its Cord. –Handle and carry tools with care. Keep edged and pointed tools turned downward. –Use caution around electricity and plumbing. Reserve skilled jobs for the appropriate tradesperson. –Remember that most power tool accidents happen after the material has been cut and the tool is in "wind down."

Using Tools Properly (continued) Ladders and scaffolding are used frequently in construction work, and proper use is important. –Keep both hands free while climbing and always face the ladder. –Move your ladder with your work. If, while you’re working, both of your shoulders are extended outside the ladder, you are reaching too far. –Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top. As with everything, if you are unsure of how to do something, ask your supervisor!

Keep a clean worksite! A clean worksite is a safe worksite. This refers to the neatness and good order of the construction site. Good housekeeping contributes to the efficiency of the worker and is important in preventing accidents. –Keep all Walkways and Aisles clear of debris. –Arrange building materials in carefully laid out piles to keep them out of the way. –Keep all Cords and Hoses out of the way. –Do not leave the worksite until all debris has been cleared. Sweep up all saw dust, bent nails, etc. –Inform your supervisor of all spills and clean them up immediately.

Strive for quality Quality is Important! We want to leave our homeowners with the satisfaction of knowing that we are dedicated to doing a quality job for those in need. –Know the proper techniques ! Proper technique is the best way to ensure quality work. As always, if you don’t know, Ask ! –Plan ahead to use materials in the most economical way. Use the “this old house” adage: measure twice, cut once. –Final clean up is important to a quality job. An extra 10 minutes in sweeping or wiping down dust goes a long way to communicating that a quality job has been done.

Respecting our Partners Partners of Habitat for Humanity regularly work onsite alongside volunteers. These partners are future homeowners who are working to fulfill their sweat equity requirements and should be treated with respect and kindness. –Remember, some of our partners are elderly with vision and mobility limitations, and because of this are unable to do all the tasks on the worksite. –Respect the privacy of the Partners by asking before taking pictures of them and treating them with courtesy and kindness.